‘Game Changer:' OU Health Performs First Liver Transplant To Treat Aggressive Cancer

OU Health doctors have performed a liver transplant to treat a rare form of cancer. 

This is the first time this has been done in Oklahoma. Their efforts have saved a Yukon mother's life. 

Chief of surgical oncology at OU Health, Dr. Ajay Jain, said bile duct cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. However, transplants offer hope, and Kelly Darden’s story is proof. Darden said she never takes life for granted.  

“It’s been a good life, and now even better,” Darden said. “Just carry on. Do the best I can do.” 

She celebrates every milestone like her son who graduated high school and her daughter who just graduated college. She savors every moment. “Today is a good day,” Darden said. 

Time with her family means so much more today. Cancer nearly robbed Darden of her future. “Went through forty rounds of radiation,” Darden said. “I had a short time to be with my family.” 

Darden suffered from a form of bile duct cancer called hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Surgery was one option. However, Jain needed something better. 

Surgery doesn’t cure the vast majority of people,” Jain said. “Unfortunately, the cancer had progressed into the left side of the liver.” 

The OU Health Transplant Institute stepped in and performed a liver transplant to save Darden’s life. 

“This is a team,” said Jain, about the multiple medical professionals it took to make the transplant a success. Jain said transplants can significantly increase the chances of cancer survival for patients. 

“It’s a game changer for certain,” he said.  

Every day is a gift for Darden and her husband John Darden -- precious time together. “Just had our twenty-fourth anniversary,” Darden said. “I’m very blessed – this is nothing short of a miracle.” 

Darden has always dreamed of living life to the fullest. Now, she can, and she said she’s never felt more alive. “I’m grateful for that,” Darden said. “One day at a time.” 

Doctors will continue to monitor Darden’s health to ensure the cancer doesn’t return. Darden said she is ready to enjoy time with her family.